Ofsted's Chief Inspector, Amanda Spielman, has announced that Ofsted will be undertaking research on art in secondary schools during 2018-19 and will be publishing a report with a system-wide view. She also mentioned plans for a new Ofsted inspection framework to be published in 2019 that will be an ‘evolution not a revolution’ and promised a consultation on the proposals ‘shortly’.

An analysis by Arts Professional shows that the number of arts subject teachers working in secondary schools in England has fallen by 9,000 since 2011 – a fall of almost a quarter (22%). Arts teacher numbers have collapsed at twice the rate of overall teacher numbers. Between 2011 and 2017, the number of teachers of all subjects in secondary schools fell by 9%. Figures published by the Department for Education (DfE) show that the number of art and design teachers has fallen by 2,100 (15%) from its level of 13,900 in 2011. DfE figures also show that teachers in England spent 66,000 fewer hours teaching arts subjects in 2017 than in 2011 – a 17% reduction in arts teaching time.

Analysis of businesses’ skills gaps by Creative & Cultural Skills shows that generic, transferable business skills gaps and shortages are more common than gaps and shortages in specialist creative skills,. However, there is concern over the future sustainability of ‘master crafts’ as experienced workers age and leave the sector.

The number of design businesses has grown by 63% since 2010 and design is making an important contribution to UK innovation and productivity. The Design Economy shows businesses have grown by 52% since 2009.

England’s local authorities’ culture budgets have fallen by 2.2% over last year, according to Arts Professional analysis. Budgets have fallen by around £48m over the past five years. However, some councils are balancing their budgets with raised income.

Social Prescribing

Matt Hancock, now the new Health Secretary, has announced £4.5m for social prescribing to enable GPs to refer more patients to social activities and other types of support to improve health and wellbeing. The Crafts Council is promoting Craft Clubs activities as suitable for social prescribing.

The Scottish Government has published its draft cultural strategy for consultation, covering topics including culture’s relationship to issues from technology to poverty, low income, climate change and economic planning. Meanwhile, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) is consulting on a new five-year strategic plan, to run from 2019 until 2024. The draft plan considers access to arts is a social justice issue. The previous strategic plan was due to last until 2018, but the period it covers has been extended to include 2018/19 due to the absence of an executive government in Northern Ireland.

Cultural Heritage for Inclusive Growth, a British Council report, presents a pioneering approach to inclusive growth that sees the social and economic benefits of cultural heritage for all levels of society. It advocates for a way of working that is wide reaching and mutual, building trust and connections between the UK and overseas.